Saturday, May 31, 2008

I've been shopping like crazy for cute baby things lately, since one of my best friends and one of my sisters are pregnant, both for the first time. There is no end to the adorable things you can buy on Etsy for little ones, like these cute bibs from Pearly Grey.

My friend really appreciated the modern fabric Pearly Grey uses. On Etsy, we see these wonderful fabrics all the time but her reaction reminded me that the options in Babies-R-Us don't always have personality. In a world of trucks and sports imagery, sock monkeys are quite refreshing.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

While in Pittsburgh last week, I did finally get around to taking some photos of the city. I lived there for 2 1/2 years and since I expected to be there are long time, I guess I kept putting it off. When we moved suddenly, I was so disappointed not to have captured this awesome city on film. So, back for a week with my pregnant best friend who knows her way around, we made a point to take tons of photos. My friends now live on the South Side, and it was just a quick walk to Carson Street, one of the hippest stretches in Pittsburgh. I'm so pleased with what we got! I'll share a few today and a few tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

I went to the loveliest wedding this weekend and wanted to share the perfect invitation that preceeded it. I love the graphic nature of it, and I'm very partial to orange these days. It really matched the tone of the occasion - it was an outdoor wedding in rural PA, with sunny warm weather. The reception was right there, too, in an outbuilding that had been refurbished for this sort of thing. Two of the sides were open to the outdoors, letting in that beautiful weather and atmosphere.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Today I'm off to Pittsburgh, where I will be attending the wedding of two friends. They sent out the most unique 'save the date' cards, with their names carved into a tree. I'll be blog-free for the next week.

Friday, May 16, 2008

I love shopping for my mom. And she feels the same about me. We just get each other, which sounds simple but is actually pretty amazing. So I knew she'd love this felt brooch from Elin Thomas. It is something her creative side can love - she's an elementary art teacher - but also something that would look smart on a suit (helpful, for when she needs to look all professional).

It came beautifully packaged, all the way from the UK, complete with a handwritten note from the artist. Elin has other gems in her store, including rings and brooches in a variety of colors.

We have the most amazing clouds in Wyoming. Which is interesting in itself, for the fact that we get so little rain. But the country out here is wide open, and the clouds seem to go on forever some days, like today. I had to drive a couple of towns West to pick up some dry cleaning, and I snapped these on the way back. That graduated dramatic blue is from the windshield's tinting.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

I feel like I'm way behind today in posting, but I just looked at the clock and it's really not that late. I was working on a postcard for my church's summer activities that we'll be mailing out to the town. And that got me thinking about the Web site I designed for my church. Here's a few screen shots (using http://www.thumbalizer.com/ if you don't have a Mac). For using a $50 design program, I think it came out nicely. The stained glass windows are the one beautiful and unique thing about my church and I thought they really lent identity to the site.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

I took these about this time last year and I really loved the curvy shapes. I'll be making a collection out of these one of these days. Maybe a part of a larger collection of leaves? I've yet to figure it all out, but in the meantime, enjoy.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I love the bold design and colors of this mug, and of course the London Underground theme. My husband bought it for me when he was stationed in London and it remains my favorite Valentine's Day gift. But I don't love the chip in it. I have no idea how it happened. But it makes me sad. And what makes me sadder is that I can't find another one to replace it. I've seen similar things on the Internet, but I can't find an exact copy. And my chances of being in London again soon are pretty slim. If you see this mug anywhere, let me know!

Friday, May 9, 2008

I never know what to get my mother-in-law. But this year, I think I did good. I bought stationary from several of the wonderful artists on Etsy. It's a gift I'd love to get, and I think most ladies would feel the same way. You can never have too many beautiful notecards.

1. ArtofAndrewDaniel - I've loved Andrew's work for some time and finally had an excuse to buy it! I purchased one of his "Impressionist Card Sampler", which are the square flower notecards above, and two individual cards of his, "Lemons" and "Magnolia Pod." Each came enclosed in a plastic wrapper, which was nice since I did keep one of those flower cards for myself!

2. KlifandJordan - When searching on Etsy for cards, this one caught my eye and for only $2.00, I had to get it. This beautiful material is stitched onto heavy cardstock. The artist, Jordan Rhodes, told me she would have more of these great cards for sale very soon.

3. aiek - These "Agapanthus Note Flats II" have been on my favorites list almost since I began shopping on Etsy. These are in smoke blue, although there are some pink ones as well in her store. They are flats - to mean not folded notecards but lovely heavy sheets to jot a note on, and they came packaged in a plastic box - very nice looking.

4. KalliART - I've been eyeing a different design in KalliART's shop, but "3 Green Fern Cards" was more classic and I thought my mother-in-law would love it. They came wrapped in a natural looking string with a cute matching tag.

5. annarubyking - If you are an Etsy addict you've likely seen annarubyking's "Fabric Squares Gift Cards." Each card is unique, featuring both collected and reused fabrics. The paper used is between 75 and 100 percent recycled, the majority of which is post consumer waste paper. The envelopes are 100% recycled. These cards are ecofriendly and pretty enough to frame.

6. pistachiopress - I had to buy "Eyelet Lace," one of Pistachiopress' newest designs, as soon as I saw it. It's understated and elegant and cheery. These cards are blind embossed, resulting in a lovely texture.

So I'm a sucker for all things Vincent Van Gogh. I know it's a pretty obvious choice, but he really is my favorite painter. I think his life story is fascinating, and I think how he viewed the world is unique, especially for his time. He really saw beauty in the everyday, and was not afraid to make unpopular choices in subject and mood, all the while craving acceptance for his work. It's a struggle I think a lot of artists face. I try to uphold that mantra, of seeing beauty in the ordinary.

So, since I'm a sucker for all things Van Gogh, I watched the 1990 movie "Vincent and Theo" yesterday. It had some drastic highs and lows cinematically. I think the relationship between the brothers was a little dramatized (there was a lot of screaming) and too the relationship between Theo and his wife. But, Tim Roth's performance as Vincent really made this movie worth seeing. He was entirely believable, from the arguments he had with Gauguin to the frenzy with which he painted to the silence he could have around people who made him uncomfortable. Not only was all that believable, but he REALLY looked like him. All in all, I'd say this was a mediocre movie, but if you have real interest in Van Gogh it is worth your time. Just try to get past the cacophony of an opening score.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

I've had collage ideas rolling around in my head for a while. I finally got some of that out and assembled, and here is the result. It's leftover scrapbook paper and some transparent plastic that I found floating around in my yard. I'm pleased with the effect, and I have a couple more in the works. I'll post 'em as I finish them.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

If you ever flip through a Wired magazine, you know they have dynamic, bold design that draws you in. It pushes the envelope a bit, with very small touches, like below. The subhead is overlapping the headline, just the tiniest bit. It's an example of intentionally breaking the rules, and it's part of Wired's style; you'll see it again and again in their publications. Personally, I can't decide if I like it or not. Either way, it definately catches my eye.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Last October, my husband and I went to New Orleans to help build houses. We worked through the RHINO (Restore Hope In New Orleans) program. Of course, there were t-shirts with the program's logo. I actually like the logo - I think it makes good sense and is easy to read. My only question is: why do shirts from volunteer efforts such as this only seem to come in day-glow colors? What's wrong with a baby blue or a sage green?

Monday, May 5, 2008

I'm very excited to be printing my graphic designs now on canvas! I love the texture and look of canvas, and I think it brings something really special to geometric designs, a softness while still being hip. These aren't for sale yet but will be soon. I'm trying to decide if I should just sell the cut canvas, so it could be framed, or if I should stretch it so it could be hung right away. Any suggestions on what you'd prefer?

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Red Crow Arts specializes in beautiful handmade pottery pendants, both glazed and raku fired, though the artist also makes dishes and mosaics and other decorative and functional items.

Back before Christmas I bought three beautiful handmade pendants from Red Crow Arts. Two were glazed pottery pendants and the third (the owl in the middle) was raku fired. Though it was difficult to part with, I gave the owl to my mom who loves all things raku, though she broke her elbow soon after and hasn't had a chance to work with it yet.

ABOVE IMAGES: PROVIDED BY RED CROW ARTS

I kept the other two and just finally created a necklace out of the sea green oval pendant. I do enjoy beading but I have such a hard time deciding on the exact combinations that it takes me forever to finish a piece. But, I have to say I'm very pleased with how this turned out.

I never did take the "Buy Handmade" pledge, but I should have. Over the past year I did at least 90% of my gift shopping on Etsy. Along the way I bought (many) things for myself. Never once was I disappointed in the quality of the items I had purchased. So, to honor all those great artists, crafters and suppliers working hard to live their dream, I will be featuring them in my blog every Saturday. I hope you find some new artists to love!

Friday, May 2, 2008

I couldn't believe it yesterday - it rained! It rarely rains, here in Wyoming, and when it does it is usually better described as misting. But it actually rained for a few hours and achieved more than a sprinkle. So got the camera out. I moved with the motion of the rain and got this neat effect. I think I'll call it 'Molten Light.'

Then today it got crazy again and snowed. It's May and I was really hoping we'd be done with snow, but I guess not. I have a hard time dragging myself outside when it snows, but I never get tired of taking photos of what accumulates on my windows.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

It is hard to believe that Joel Dewberry's fabric launched only a year ago. The beautiful and bold Joel Dewberry Modern Eclectic line is reminiscent of classic and vintage patterns but freshens them up with contemporary colors and cleaner lines, resulting in a graphic but elegant style. Visit http://www.joeldewberry.com/ for more info. Obviously, all images by Joel Dewberry.

I try to find beauty in the everyday, primarily through my photography, which I share here. I also try to keep my brain thinking creatively every day, even if the rest of me is not in the mood, so the posts here are as much for me as they are for you.